Apple released new versions of its operating systems across its entire portfolio of devices on Monday with business users benefiting from a range of new features.
Apple has launched new versions across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS, but the most pertinent features for businesses come with macOS Monterey 12.3, iPadOS 15.4, and iOS 15.4, but Safari’s latest update may also be of interest.
macOS 12.3 business features
The standout new feature for macOS Monterey 12.3 beta is the long-awaited beta of Universal Control that allows a single mouse and keyboard to be used across Mac and iPad devices.
It aims to improve workflows for users running both types of devices, or two Mac devices, and should not be confused with Sidecar - a much earlier feature that allows an iPad to be used as an external display.
Universal Control allows users to type text and drag and drop files between Macs and iPads each running their own operating systems. Macs will need to have macOS Monterey 12.3 installed while iPads will need to have iPadOS 15.4 installed for the feature to work.
An assortment of bug fixes and miscellaneous system enhancements are also included, such as additional Safari translation languages, and saved passwords can now include notes.
Cosmetic features also come in abundance. These include improved battery readings accuracy, a new Siri voice, and a selection of new emojis, among others.
M1 Macs also get spatial audio when using AirPods on the machine, these can be enabled or disabled in the Settings menu.
iOS 15.4 business features
The headline feature that comes with the latest version of iOS for iPhones is that upgrades to Face ID now allow users to unlock their phones while wearing a mask.
The feature has also been extended for use with Apple Pay which will make life easier for those using contactless payments in their office commutes, and password autofill in apps too.
Bug fixes are also addressed such as those relating to iCloud synchronisation and keyboard issues. Similar cosmetic improvements as those brought to macOS Monterey 12.3 beta are also included with the expansion of the emoji catalogue. Siri’s additional voice also come across to mobile and it can also now provide the time and date when the device is offline.
Safari features for businesses and developers
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The Safari 15.4 beta ships as standard with all new iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions, and is the first major update since Apple released a range of urgent security fixes in macOS Monterey 12.2 back in February.
New additions to HTML and CSS capabilities arrive in droves, as well as JavaScript, allowing web developers to make it easier to implement features with less custom code.
The latest Safari version also introduces a number of new Web APIs, new web extensions, and security fixes. For full details, check out Apple’s developer release notes.
